Tributes paid to traders’ group chairman

THE man appointed to give a stronger voice to independent business owners in Perth has died.

Keith Fergie was chairman of Perth Traders’ Association, a group set up last year following the collapse of department store McEwens.

Tributes have been paid to the 54-year-old who died following a short illness.

Perth and Kinross Council depute chief executive Jim Valentine said: “Keith was a great ambassador for the city businesses and a key player in the renaissance of the city centre.

“His enthusiasm and ‘can do’ attitude will be missed by all.”

Local MSP John Swinney said: “I am very sorry to hear of Keith’s untimely death.

“He ran an excellent local business, PC Solutions, and made a significant contribution to bringing the city centre business community together in the traders association.

“Keith had made very good progress in developing the agenda of the association in a very focused way that would bring real benefits to the local economy.

“We will all miss his positive and enthusiastic contribution to our city.”

Shopkeeper Dawn Fuge, who edits the Shop Local Perth Facebook site, said the city had “lost a true star amongst local independent shop owners and a thoroughly decent man”.

Mr Fergie’s funeral will be held at Perth Crematorium on Thursday at 4pm.